The Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda
The Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda is set in a gorgeous, peaceful location on the beach in the Riviera Maya district. This all-inclusive resort includes several on-site restaurants and bars, everything from a buffet to fine dining. There are two expansive outdoor pools with ocean views and sun loungers. There is also a toddler pool. Next to the hotel is a white sandy beach decked out with sun loungers, water sports rentals, and thatch umbrellas. The clean and spacious rooms all have private balconies, and some have private pools and ocean views. This resort offers a mini-club for toddlers aged two and over. The outdoor play area at the kids club is shaded and the indoor part is clean and air-conditioned. The new cribs are well-taken care of. Children do not need to be potty-trained to attend. The hotel is located about halfway between the airport and the town of Playa Del Carmen close to Cancun.
Dreams Talum
Dreams Tulum is a medium-sized resort roughly 30 minutes south of Playa Del Carmen. The hotel offers pools, gardens and a beach. The almost 400 rooms and suites are spacious and modern, and offer conveniences such as a DVD/CD player and an MP3 docking alarm clock. Their “Explorer Club” is for children aged 3-12 and offers different activities each day. The staff are all CPR-certified and trained in first-aid. Parents are not allowed to remain in the area once their kids are signed in and younger children and their parents aren’t able to utilize the play structures within the “Explorer Club” compound. The buffet is good, with a small area for little ones to help themselves. Dreams Tulum’s a la carte restaurants do not require reservations, but they advise that there may be a wait for a table during peak times.
Azul Beach
Azul Beach is a luxury boutique hotel of only 97 rooms just outside Puerto Morelos, 15 minutes from the airport in Cancun. The hotel offers intimate surroundings and baby-welcoming touches to ensure a great time for even the tiniest visitors -and their parents. Those traveling with infants are provided with a package including a stroller, playpen, change table/baby bath, bottle warmer and sterilizer, and baby monitor (free of charge). They provide Mexican Gerber brand baby food, and the smoothie bar will prepare and puree fresh fruit and yogurt for your child. There is a buffet for breakfast and the rest of the dining options are a la carte. None of the restaurants require reservations, so you can come and go as you please. The stunning beach is lined with beach beds and a couple of play structures, and there are ‘beach butlers’ at your beck and call for whatever you may need – a drink, a snack, sunscreen, you name it. The kids’ club is for children aged 4-12, and each day there are activities such as cooking classes, Spanish lessons and jewelry making. Babysitting services are also available on request.
